The Surf Window

Rodanthe

North Carolina, USA

Beach breakIntermediate

The northern end of Hatteras Island, Rodanthe gained fame as the setting for the movie "Nights in Rodanthe" but surfers know it as a consistent swell magnet where beach break peaks offer quality waves in a remote barrier island setting.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–E 1.5–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Nov

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks, hollow in good conditions

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent beach break with enough power to be engaging but not overwhelming

Hazards

  • •Strong longshore drift
  • •Rip currents near the beach access points
  • •Road access via Bonner Bridge can close during major storms

Local Tips

  • •The Canadian Hole is the famous kitesurfing spot just south, different crowd, same wind
  • •Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo are three small villages that blend together, explore all three for the best peaks
  • •The old Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is a fascinating historical site nearby

Location

Map showing the location of Rodanthe in North Carolina, USA

35.5934, -75.4678